About My Fujifilm X-E5, Therapy Sessions, and the Art of Letting Go!

Yes guys, I own the Fujifilm X-E5.

And many have already reached out to me asking why I haven’t reviewed it yet on FujiRumors or if I ever will share a review about it.

Well, I’ll tell you below why I don’t think it makes sense to review it.

But if you want my opinion, let me share the three main problems I encountered with the X-E5.

Problem 1.

I needed half a day to convince my Fujifilm X-E3 to let go of the XF27mmF2.8 R WR — her lifelong companion.

After a complex psychotherapy session (yes, we talked it through), I gently explained that sometimes we just have to let go and move on. Sometimes growth requires change. And if she truly loved the XF27mmF2.8, she’d set it free — let it explore new resolutions, new autofocus algorithms, new X-Trans relationships that would help it grow in ways she never could if always stuck on the X-E4

Problem 2.

The Fujifilm X-E5 looks so perfect — clean lines, flawless build, an aura of quiet confidence — I was honestly terrified to scratch it. It felt like holding a piece of art instead of a camera.

But then my X-E3 gave me a therapy session. She reminded me that the marks we carry are proof of a fully life lived. She said: “you can’t protect your X-E5 from scratches without also protecting yourself from the joy of using it“.

I knew my Fujifilm X-E3 stole that line from one of the best books I’ve ever read, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, in which Jonathan wrote “you cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness“. But I somehow forgot about it, and it is nice that my X-E3 reminded me of that.

Problem 3.

Problem 3 required a group therapy session with a secret Fujifilm community — a place where we meet only to discuss and cry about the nonsense things Fujifilm does.

You’ll find people there who still haven’t emotionally recovered from last year’s autofocus firmware fiasco (finally fixed after months of collective suffering). Others are still clinging to hope for an X-Pro4 or X80, wondering why on earth Fujifilm poured tons of R&D into “GFX Eterna” instead. Then there are those waiting since 65 months for their pre-ordered Fujifilm X100VI and even a special support circle for those permanently traumatized by years of using the old Fujifilm Camera Remote app. We’ve all endured our share of pain.

My personal breaking point? Discovering that my new favorite EVF display setting — the “Classic Display Mode” — had simply vanished. Gone. For hours I frantically searched menus, reset settings, questioned reality. Nothing.

Only through the combined wisdom of the Fujifilm group did we uncover the truth: if you enable “Semi-Transparent” in the “Surround View Mode”, the Classic Display Mode disappears.

Why? No idea.

Some things in life just defy logic… and this is one of them.

So Why No Review?

It makes no sense to review perfection. ;)

Or as a fellow Fujifilm brother wrote in his Amazon X-E5 review, it deserves six out of five stars. I couldn’t have said it better myself — that’s exactly my rating, too.

So I’ll leave the formal reviews to those who make a living dissecting specs and pixel-peeping at 300%.

Honestly, I haven’t even watched a single X-E5 review since I own it. I couldn’t care less. Whether people praise it or tear it apart doesn’t matter to me. I own it. I love it. And that’s my review.

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The Hidden Advantage Nobody Talks About – FUJIFILM 26MP vs 40MP

You all know I’m a big fan of Fujifilm’s 40MP sensor. In fact, when I put together my Fujifilm X-E5 wishlist, I said I’d happily pay more if it came with the 40MP over the 26MP.

But let’s be fair: the 26MP sensor paired with the X Processor 5 – as found in cameras like the Fujifilm X-S20 – is a terrific combination with its own clear advantages.

Advantages of the 26MP Sensor

  • faster sensor readout → and all the benefits that come with it, such as less rolling shutter
  • less battery drain
  • more affordable

For a full breakdown, we’ve already written a comprehensive 26MP vs 40MP Pros & Cons article here.

Today, though, I’d like to highlight something interesting from two articles by Alik Griffin, where he compared files from his Fujifilm X100V (26MP) and X100VI (40MP).

At first glance, you’d assume the main reason to prefer the X100VI would be the higher resolution. But Alik points out something else entirely that makes the 40MP sensor shine. Something that is hardly ever talked about.

Alik noticed:

Resolution

  • on a tripod, the X100VI shows a clear detail boost over the X100V, even at higher apertures—enough to justify an upgrade for tripod work.

The Grain (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)

What really impressed Alik wasn’t just the resolution, but the character of the grain. Here are some of his observations:

  • the X100VI’s smaller, tighter grain is far nicer to work with than the older models
  • the slight resolution boost, combined with the finer grain and better overall fidelity, makes the upgrade worth it
  • nicer grain with cleaner skin tones and clearer colors
  • the X100VI preserves shadow detail better and avoids the color smearing
  • everything looks better—not only at ISO 6400, but even at lower ISOs
  • the X100VI’s grain has a better shape, making it easier to clean up with noise reduction
  • beyond the added detail, the tighter pixel pitch and improved grain deliver noticeably superior image fidelity

Alik has covered the comparison in full with lots of samples at his blog at alikgriffin here and here.

One more thing… there is this myth that more pixels are worst in low light. Top industry insiders and professionals disagree with this statement:

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Fujifilm GFX Eterna 55 and GF32-90mm PZ Announced – Reviews and Pre-Orders – LIVE BLOG

Fujifilm GFX Eterna 55 + GF32-90

The Fujifilm GFX Eterna 55 and Fujinon GF 32-90mm Power Zoom are now reality!

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The Fujifilm Fixed Lens Camera Roundup – GFX100RF, X100VI and X half

Here is a roundup covering the following Fujifilm fixed lens cameras.

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Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro – Reviews and Available Now

The Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro has now been officially announced.

  • Explora – Viltrox Announces New AF 56mm f/1.2 Prime for Sony and Fujfilm

You can pre-order it at BHphoto here, Amazon here, Viltrox Shop here and other stores.